It’s been a long and hard road back for San Antonio Spurs star Tony Parker, who is finally set to make his season debut against the Dallas Mavericks, his first appearance after injuring his quad during last season’s playoffs.

According to The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears, Parker had a lot of help getting through that tough time from his close friend, soccer legend Thierry Henry.

“He’s like a big brother, one of my best friends,” Parker said. “It’s great to have a friend who experienced the same stuff as you and supports you. Throughout my career, he’s always been there for me.

“When I got hurt, he came to see me three days after. He took a plane and came to support me right after my surgery. It’s pretty nice to have friends like that.”

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Henry has meant almost as much to French soccer as Parker has to French basketball. The 40-year-old is one of the few French athletes to match Parker’s extensive career achievements. He was a multiple-time domestic league and one-time Champions League winner in his club career and won the World and European cups internationally with France.

It’s not particularly surprising for the two icons of their respective sports to gravitate toward one another and form as close a bond as the two did. Even superstar athletes need friends to help them through tough times, and Parker's friendship with Henry has certainly helped accomplish that.